Ron Aulbach

Seems that Hollywood has made the bible it’s new favorite theme.  The new movies hitting the big screen offer Christians a great opportunity to talk about their faith while munching on their popcorn.  In a culture that seems to push God to the margins, movie producers can’t seem to get enough of the classic bible stories and spiritual questions that skeptics want answers to.  Truth might be closer then the think, regardless of the motives behind why they are making these movies.

I recently took my family to see The Son of God and was very pleased with how they portrayed Jesus on the big screen.  Sure, it had it’s artistic flair and extra biblical accounts, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.   It had been ten years since The Passion of the Christ, which was a remarkable movie in it’s own right.  The Son of God offered a more complete picture of the ministry of Jesus.  You couldn’t help but be moved by the compassion and courage of Jesus.  Mark Burnett and Roma Downey should be commended for their efforts with this movie and the successful Bible tv min-series.  Two thumbs up.

But the credits keep rolling and God’s Not Dead has church goers flocking.  I received several tweets and text messages hours after the release echoing the titles anthem.  Noah combines the big name appeal of Russell Crowe with the epic story of God’s power and restoration through the flood.  Last but not least is the release of Heaven is for Real and the miraculous account of one boys journey their and back.

So, what do you think of all the interest of God at the movies?  Do the movies spark an interest in you to explore your faith? Or, are the movies just gimmicky attempts at producers to profit on God’s timeless story?  The apostle Paul actually faced the same sort of questions with the church of Philippi when teachers with all sorts of different agendas took their stage.  Some just preached out of envy, others were selfish, and the worst of them just wanted to earn a buck in the name of Jesus.  Paul’s response wasn’t scathing or a harsh rebuke.  None of that mattered.

“The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.” Philippians 1:18

And because of that I rejoice, so pass me the popcorn.